Make your hands happy with the prettiest DIY mousepad! Suede and gold leaf make an elevated and gorgeous project that you’d never guess was handmade.

I know what you’re thinking. And no, I’m never going to stop with the gold leaf DIYs. It’s the best thing in the world, so get on board baby! Good talk.

I found myself recently bemoaning the fact that my mousepad was old and icky and had seen much better days. It still functioned, but man did it look gross.

So it was DIY time!

If you’ve got an old mousepad that needs a little zhush (how do you spell that?) or a mousepad that just isn’t cute, this is the DIY for you.

Psst — before you dive in, be sure you sign up below for my VIP group! I send these folks more of my very best ideas, DIYs, and projects.

Ways to Use Gold Leaf

Gold leaf is one of my favorite craft supplies, because I feel like it elevates a project and lends an extra wow factor to an average DIY!

Here are some other great ways to use it:

Supplies You’ll Need

mousepad (if you have an old one, use that!)
enough suede (or leather, or faux leather — you get the idea) to cover the mousepad
scissors
pen
freezer paper
hole punch
iron
gold leaf kit
two craft paintbrushes
spray adhesive

How to Make a DIY Mouse Pad

Start by tracing your mousepad onto the backside of your suede, and cutting it out. Set that aside. Punch holes in your freezer paper and cut a small square around each hole. Place them strategically on the front side of your suede, and iron them shiny side down so that they stick.
Next, use a paintbrush to paint either the adhesive from your gold leaf kit or ModPodge inside of each hole. While it’s wet, apply a small patch of gold leaf. Pat the gold leaf down with a dry paintbrush.
Let the adhesive dry for about 30 minutes and carefully remove the freezer paper, being careful to keep the edges of the polka dot intact. Let the glue dry overnight before you use the mousepad, and be sure to dust off all remnants of the gold leaf, to keep your mouse safe.
Finally, cover the back of the suede with spray adhesive and affix it to your old mousepad. Be sure that you match the edges well before you press firmly.

Perfect DIY for Your Office or Dorm Room

Woah! So much better. And I was able to use things that I already had in my craft closet for this pretty upgrade!

I think a DIY mousepad like this one would be perfect for a home office or your workspace, or even a dorm room for a new college student.

Have fun! xoxo

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DIY Mousepad

Yield: DIY Mousepad

Active Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Estimated Cost: $15

Make your hands happy with the prettiest DIY mousepad! Suede and gold leaf make an elevated and gorgeous project that you'd never guess was handmade.

Materials

mousepad (if you have an old one, use that!)
enough suede (or leather, or faux leather -- you get the idea) to cover the mousepad
pen
freezer paper
gold leaf kit
spray adhesive

Tools

scissors
hole punch
iron
two craft paintbrushes

Instructions

Start by tracing your mousepad onto the backside of your suede, and cutting it out. Set that aside. Punch holes in your freezer paper and cut a small square around each hole. Place them strategically on the front side of your suede, and iron them shiny side down so that they stick.
Next, use a paintbrush to paint either the adhesive from your gold leaf kit or ModPodge inside of each hole. While it's wet, apply a small patch of gold leaf. Pat the gold leaf down with a dry paintbrush.
Let the adhesive dry for about 30 minutes and carefully remove the freezer paper, being careful to keep the edges of the polka dot intact. Let the glue dry overnight before you use the mousepad, and be sure to dust off all remnants of the gold leaf, to keep your mouse safe.
Finally, cover the back of the suede with spray adhesive and affix it to your old mousepad. Be sure that you match the edges well before you press firmly.

Notes